MARMOSET – Tea Tornado

Oftentimes in the realm of independent music, an artist or album comes around and banks on the idea of a gimmick rooted in simplicity and familiarity. A poet recites dark drab stories of love lost, drunken highs, and drugged lows while the band plays loosely along. Songs full of silly childish lyrics are only regarded as “cute” by adoring female fans.

This is pretty much the end result of Marmoset’s newest album Tea Tornado. Their sound can only be described as an attempt to capture the lo-fi post-punk garage sound that’s already been done a million times over. Tracks like “Hallway” catch the band attempting at a pop-psychedelic vibe, but cuts like “”I Love My Things” and “Written Today” are built around repetitive juvenile lyrics based on a garage rock beat. As someone who is new to Marmoset, this album does nothing for me in the way of bringing any excitement of a new musical discovery.

(Joyful Noise Recordings, PO Box 20109 Indianapolis, IN 46220)

HERMIT THRUSHES – Slight Fountain

What can only be described at multi-instrumental acoustic experimentation, Hermit Thrushes brings you their newest piece of work, Slight Fountain. This 14-track album comes across as a twisted yet respectable homage to the sporadic sounds of Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, as well as the classical acoustic folk sounds of decades past.

The album tracks through quite smoothly considering some of the songs involve unconventional tempo changes, like in the song “Push.” One of the more subtle yet impressive cuts on Slight Fountain is an acoustic guitar instrumental track entitled “Headless.” “Found House” is an off-tune multi-instrumental psychedelic pop piece that accentuates the controlled madness that encompasses this band’s odd sound.

Although the likeliness of mainstream success with a band like Hermit Thrushes is unlikely, I think those with an open musical mind will enjoy this album for its quirkiness and heart. Heart…now that’s something missing in music these days, and it’s clear these guys aren’t afraid to show they have it.

(Joyful Noise Recordings, PO Box 20109 Indianapolis, IN 46220)

THE STARTOVER – S/T

My liking for the pop-punk genre has definitely dissipated as I have grown older. The days of being packed in a crowd like a sardine for a 30-minute set of MXPX or The Ataris at Warped Tour feels like light years ago. Although I’m not actively singing along to songs about heartbreak and teen angst in my late 20s, I know that many are at a point in their lives when three-part harmonies and catchy guitar hooks can work wonders. That’s why The Startover has my utmost respect with the release of their three-track self-titled EP. Hailing from the UK, These lads are laying down a vibe that should please those who fancy the pop-punk sound. Besides the harmonious vocals, the bands instrumental talent is fairly strong with several guitar and drum breakdowns throughout the effort. If you are a fan of the genre or just looking for a new sound to bring back those nostalgic teenage feelings, The Startover bring the goods.

(Engineer Records, 210 William Street, Boonton, NJ 07005)

ACTIONREACTION - 3 IS THE MAGIC NUMBER

Handclaps and a mid-temp rock beat starts off 3 Is The Magic Number, the debut album from the progressive rock outfit out of New Jersey. The eleven tracks contained on this disc have a mainstream rock feel, something I'm not too fond of these days. Jason Gleason's vocals seem to replicate Bono's (of U2) sound to a tee, therefore giving off a feeling of unoriginality. Musically the band is at top form but fail to really let loose. This meaning that everything sounds so scripted and planned out leaving no room for improvisation or experimentation. Although I wasn't all that impressed with this album, I'd recommend it to those who enjoy no thrills, no frills straight ahead rock.

(Review originally appeared in the December 2006 issue of Big Wheel Magazine)

VARIOUS ARTISTS - UNSOUND

Say goodbye to the PUNK-O-RAMA compilations and introduce yourself to its replacement, UNSOUND. In an attempt to give the Epitaph label a facelift, UNSOUND features the new breed of Epitaph bands that come with a screamo/emo sound. Hip-hop artists Sage Frances and Dangerdoom also contribute to this title. It's as though Epitaph is attempting to ride the ever-changing trend of bands having an MTV appeal (screaming 20-somethings who wear too much eye shadow). This album also includes a DVD filled with 10 music videos from bands like From First to Last and Bad Religion. Fans of the defunct PUNK-O-RAMA series should be hesitant in picking this up. Epitaph isn't the Southern California punk label it once was. Besides a few decent tracks, there isn't much worth getting excited about here.

(Review originally appeared in the July 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

THE ANTHEMS - S/T

Although they were conceived just two years ago, The Anthems have already toured in Germany and Amsterdam. On this self-released four-song EP, seconds into the first track you realize what the attraction is. One of the first things I am amazed by is the sound these kids (they look to be in their early 20s) produce. The songs are well played and rich in sound, and the vocals are quite impressive, bringing to mind a comparison with Joe Strummer. You can also sense a bit of 1960s surf influence (mainly in the percussion). Another impressive band out of Anaheim! www.theanthems.com.
  
(Review originally appeared in the July 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

THE ADORED - A NEW LANGUAGE

The Adored's story spans the United States from east to west, being that they in Boston and eventually formed the current line-up in L.A. But their sound isn't a product of American rock roots; rather, their tunes come across as being influenced by late-'70s Brit-pop, with a splash of punk rock. Buzzcocks' Pete Shelley even caught wind of their sound and contributed to their 2005 EP. What you will find within this disc are 14 infectiously catchy tunes that can't help but put you in an upbeat mood. Perhaps the most valuable aspect of this album is its ability to make you dance! Hey, Punky McPunkerson, it's okay, to shake your ass to music like this!

(Review originally appeared in the July 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)